Radiohead: In Rainbows December 15, 2007

It’s been a full 10 years since they released what is probably my favourite album of all time, the classic “OK Computer”. Since then, they’ve become one of the most influential and innovative bands around, with Thom Yorke’s distinctive vocals and Jonny Greenwood’s guitar work creating their uniquely beautiful “sound”.

A new Radiohead album is always in big event in my life and it’s been a long wait since their last album was released in 2003, “Hail To The Thief”. For the past few months I’ve been enjoying their new release “In Rainbows”.

It created quite a bit of press and controversy when Radiohead decided to release the new album as a download only release with no record label affiliation, with the buyer choosing how much to pay for it. You could pay as little (0.45p was the minimum I think) or as much as you liked. As a marketing move, it was a very very clever initiative.

It did however distract attention away somewhat from the music itself and what is quite simply a stunning collection of songs. From the bouncy opening “15 Steps”, to haunting beauty and tragedy of the closing “Videotape”, it’s arguably their best album since “OK Computer”. A wonderful surprise is the release finally of the 1997 era “Nude”, a live favourite for years which Thom has finally got right in the studio. I just love “Jigsaw Falling Into Place”, it just has so many twists and turns but the highlight for me is Weird Fishes/Arpeggi which just sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it. It’s incredibly emotional and has a profound sense of sadness but at the same time an incredible energy that perfectly encapsulates what music is all about.

As my Christmas treat (as I’ve been a really really good boy this year), I’ve got on order the “In Rainbows” box-set which includes a second CD of unreleased tracks. I can’t wait.

However, the album is released commerciallyin CD and vinyl formats via the usual channels on the 31st December. Do yourself a favour, buy “In Rainbows” and enjoy what I’m sure will be considered a truly classic album in the years ahead.

Remember where you heard it first.

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I’LL PAY AGAIN FOR THE ALBUM IN STORES. Having a real copy of “IN RAINBOWS” will be great! Thom Yorke is one of the best in the business. I thought IN RAINBOWS offered a wide range of songs. I wish I could get the second disc. I’m hoping RADIOHEAD will sell an additional CD that offers the second Disc. Otherwise I’ll have to pay the extra money for the boxset. [ IN RAINBOWS was my favorite album for 2007] [ I liked it better than “Hail to the Thief ]